Mumbai: Deputy Chief Minister and NCP president Sunetra Pawar forwarded the resignation of Rupali Chakankar, head of the party’s women’s wing and Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women, to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday for further action.
Resignation Follows CM Directive
Chakankar stepped down after a directive from Chief Minister Fadnavis on Friday, amid controversy surrounding her alleged ties to self-styled godman Ashok Kharat. She submitted her resignation directly to Pawar earlier.
In a post on X, Pawar stated, “I have received Rupali Chakankar’s resignation. Given the present circumstances and the ongoing probe, she has chosen to step down. To ensure the investigation remains fair and transparent, I am forwarding her resignation to the Honourable Chief Minister for further action.”
Chakankar Defends Family Ties
Speaking to reporters, Chakankar expressed feeling unfairly targeted. “My family follows the Warkari tradition, which is how we were connected to Kharat’s trust. I was unaware of his other side. How can anyone predict a person’s future actions? Many people have photos with him, but I am being targeted because I am a woman,” she said.
She clarified that her family’s association with Kharat’s trust arose from long-standing Warkari traditions. Chakankar noted that she and her family viewed Kharat and his wife as spiritual guides, but the circulating videos date back nearly six years. She emphasized that the images shared online are several years old and her family respected Kharat without knowledge of the allegations.
Chakankar explained her resignation aims to support a “fair and transparent investigation,” preventing any doubt on the process due to her position.
Escalating Controversy and Probe
The row intensified after Nashik-based godman Kharat’s arrest on charges of sexual exploitation and rape filed by multiple women. Social media posts, including visuals of Chakankar participating in rituals and washing his feet, have fueled public debate.
Opposition leaders from Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress demand her removal, citing potential influence on the investigation. The state government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by IPS officer Tejasvi Satpute, to probe the allegations against Kharat.
